Peter Miller’s in the money again, so will he pay for his Port Vale shares?

Peter Miller, the figure at the head of the hugely controversial board which plunged Port Vale into administration, has won a pay-off from the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association. Perhaps he can use some of it to pay the money he still owes Port Vale FC?

If you’re asking, why focus on an individual who was last involved in the club more than a decade ago then let OVF explain… as our About page describes it we feel our site “has a moral duty to represent the best interests of Port Vale fans” and so we believe that, despite the time involved, we want to focus on significant individuals who, many fans believe, caused immense damage to the club. We also have long memories at OVF and do not forget people, who many Vale fans would doubtless argue, harmed the Valiants…

Back in 2012, then chairman Miller, along with former CEO Perry Deakin, were at the centre of the “nil-paid shares” scandal. This was when the duo were both given substantial shareholdings (worth a combined £350,000) in the club, along with the voting rights, but did not pay for the shares. To date, despite legal chasing by the Port Vale Supporters club neither man has paid a penny they owe for the shares they were given.

The club plunged into administration under the charge of Miller and Deakin as a number of scandals were revealed – including a breach of loan conditions for a loan from Stoke-on-Trent council, bust-ups with sponsors and the secret re-mortgaging of the Vale Park stadium…

The club plunged into administration under the charge of Miller and Deakin as a number of scandals were revealed – including a breach of loan conditions for a loan from Stoke-on-Trent council, bust-ups with sponsors and the secret re-mortgaging of the Vale Park stadium.

Miller, who certainly seems to lead an interesting life, was a controversial choice as head of marketing at the Trinidad & Tobago FA back in 2019. It was a remarkable because, as an article in the local press confirmed, Miller had no marketing experience or qualifications for a role which was paying a reported $20,000 per month.

Having agreed a two-year deal with T&T FA in 2019, he left his role early. His spell promoted a series of expose articles in the local Trinidad press called “Peter Miller: Unplugged” with the newspaper saying “Miller’s tale is a remarkable one—particularly depending on who is telling it” and that “the direction in which he has chosen to lead, though, is a contentious issue—depending on who you speak to.”

His spell promoted a series of expose articles in the local Trinidad press called “Peter Miller: Unplugged” with the newspaper saying “Miller’s tale is a remarkable one—particularly depending on who is telling it” and that “the direction in which he has chosen to lead, though, is a contentious issue—depending on who you speak to.”

Following his departure, Miller made a claim for $600,000, representing the salary and benefits he would have received had he been able to complete the contract. A judge awarded him a partial victory – Justice Seepersad said he was only entitled to an additional four months’ salary, or US$100,000 after the case was heard in court.

All of which, begs the question, will Miller, clearly flush with cash at the moment, pay the Valiants what he owes?

We’re not holding our breath.